How to Register an International Trademark Rights
Highlights
- International trademark rights help protect your brand as your business expands into global markets.
- International trademark registration can be completed through the Madrid Protocol by filing a single application for protection in multiple countries.
- Registration costs depend on the number of designated countries, trademark classes, and the scope of protection selected.
- With Jasa Merek, the registration process becomes easier while reducing the risk of administrative errors.
Your product is ready for export, the packaging looks professional, and your marketing strategy is already underway—but have you registered your trademark internationally?
A protected brand can be a valuable asset when you begin reaching customers in multiple countries.
The broader your target market becomes, the greater the opportunity for your brand to gain recognition. International trademark protection can help safeguard your business identity while reducing the risk of trademark disputes in your destination markets.
The good news is that registering an international trademark is easier to understand than many people think.
Curious about the steps involved? Read on so you can feel more confident when taking your products into the global market.
Why Is International Trademark Rights Important for Exporters?
When your brand enters the global market, international trademark protection is not only about preserving your business identity.
Here are several benefits of registering your trademark before expanding internationally:
- Protects your brand when your products enter global markets
- Reduces the risk of other parties using your trademark abroad
- Helps preserve the business reputation you have built
- Increases trust among partners, distributors, and customers
- Supports safer business expansion into multiple countries
- Strengthens your brand’s position in global competition
- Increases the value of your business assets through trademark protection
- Helps you manage intellectual property rights in a more organized manner
When Should You Register an International Trademark Rights?
To avoid acting too late, business owners should consider trademark protection at several key stages.
1. When Your Products Enter Global Marketplaces
Once your products appear on international marketplaces, customers from various countries can find your brand more easily.
This is an ideal time to start considering broader trademark protection.
2. Before Appointing an Overseas Distributor
Before working with an international distributor, make sure international trademark protection is included in your business plan.
This step helps clarify brand ownership and reduces the risk of future disputes.
3. When Your Business Begins Targeting Export Markets
When your business strategy begins focusing on international markets, do not wait until sales increase before protecting your brand.
Securing trademark rights early can make the expansion process more manageable and less risky.
4. Before Your Brand Becomes Widely Recognized in the Target Country
The more people recognize your brand, the more valuable it becomes.
Registering your trademark early can serve as a preventive measure before unexpected risks arise.
Documents Required for International Trademark Rights Registration
Before submitting an application, make sure all required documents and information are ready.
Preparing everything in advance can help the registration process run smoothly and reduce administrative problems.
You may need to prepare:
- Identification documents for the trademark owner, whether an individual or a company
- An Indonesian trademark certificate or application serving as the basis for the international application
- A list of the countries where you want to obtain trademark protection
- The appropriate classes of goods or services covering your products or services
- A logo or trademark representation that matches the basic Indonesian trademark application
- The applicant’s address and contact information for administrative purposes and correspondence during the registration process
How Indonesian Businesses Can Register an International Trademark Rights
Businesses can apply for international trademark protection through the Madrid Protocol.
Here are the main steps:
1. Make Sure the Trademark Is Registered or Filed in Indonesia
The Madrid Protocol requires applicants to have a basic trademark in their home country.
Therefore, make sure your trademark has already been registered with the Indonesian Directorate General of Intellectual Property, or that an Indonesian trademark application has at least been filed.
2. Select the Countries Where You Want Protection
Next, choose the countries where you want your trademark to be protected.
Focus on your export destinations or markets with the greatest potential for business growth.
3. Prepare the Required Trademark Documents and Information
Collect all documents and information required for the application.
These may include the trademark owner’s details, the Indonesian application or registration number, and the list of goods or service classes to be protected.
4. Submit the Application Through the Indonesian Directorate General of Intellectual Property
Once the documents are ready, you can submit the international trademark application online.
The application can be filed through the official website of the Indonesian Directorate General of Intellectual Property at www.dgip.go.id.
5. The Application Is Forwarded to WIPO
When the submitted information meets the requirements, the Indonesian Directorate General of Intellectual Property will forward the application to the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO.
WIPO will then conduct an administrative examination under the Madrid Protocol.
6. Wait for Examination by Each Designated Country
After the application passes WIPO’s administrative examination, each designated country will review it according to its own trademark laws and regulations.
This stage determines whether the trademark will receive protection in that country.
7. Receive Trademark Protection in Approved Countries
When no objections or refusals are issued, the trademark will receive protection according to the laws of each approved destination country.
This can strengthen the international intellectual property strategy of a business planning to expand across borders.
International Trademark Rights Registration Costs
Under the Madrid Protocol, the basic fee is paid in Swiss francs, or CHF. The total amount may increase depending on the selected countries and trademark classes.
The estimated fees include:
- Basic fee for a black-and-white trademark: CHF 653, or approximately IDR 12–13 million
- Basic fee for a color trademark: CHF 903, or approximately IDR 17–18 million
- Fees for designated countries: Starting from CHF 100 per country for certain Madrid Protocol members, while other countries apply different individual fees
- Additional class fees: Approximately CHF 100 for each class of goods or services beyond the first three classes
The total cost may vary from one business to another.
The final amount is generally influenced by factors such as the number of destination countries, the number of goods or service classes, and the fee policies of each country.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a trademark registered in Indonesia automatically apply abroad?
No. To protect your brand in another country, you must apply for registration in the destination country or through the Madrid Protocol.
2. How long does international trademark rights registration take?
Processing times vary by country.
In general, the examination process may take approximately 12 to 18 months, depending on the policies and procedures of each designated country.
3. Can an international trademark rights registration be renewed?
Yes. International trademark protection is generally valid for 10 years and may be renewed in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Is Your Brand Ready to Go Global? Protect It Today
Bringing products into international markets requires careful preparation.
In addition to maintaining product quality, securing international trademark protection is an important step in protecting the brand you have worked hard to build.
Is your business beginning to target customers abroad? If so, now is the right time to consider protecting your trademark globally.
With Jasa Merek, you can receive professional assistance from the consultation stage through the international trademark registration process.
Protect your brand today so you can focus on growing your business in global markets.
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